In a lawsuit filed this week in Washington D.C. District Court, the American Bird Conservancy has charged two Department of Interior agencies with suppressing information about wind energy projects and their potential negative impact on wildlife. "ABC is concerned that many of these projects have the potential to take a devastating toll on songbirds, majestic eagles, and threatened and endangered species," said Kelly Fuller, Wind Campaign Coordinator for ABC.
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June 2012
June 29, 2012
Keys angler charged for hooking FWC diver
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Research biologist who was collecting data in 55 feet of water in the Florida Keys last month was allegedly jereked to the surface by an angler apparently upset her diving flag was in his fishing spot. Donald A. Bamford, 74, of Stock Island, was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor battery charge after a month-long investigation by state and federal agencies. KeysNews.com.
Bears removed from area where Arizona attacks occurred
Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel trapped and removed three black bears near where three attacks on humans have taken place since May 31. DNA testing confimed two of the bears were not involved in the June 24 attack, but tests were inconclusive on the earlier encounters because of lack of genetic samples. ABC15 and Prescott Daily Courier.
June 28, 2012
'Ding, dong; black bear calling'
A Ravenna, Ohio man claims a black bear rang his doorbell, then "posed for photos" while munching his flowers and drinking from his fountain, before high-tailing it into the woods. "Honest to God," said body shop owner Dan Lintz. No word on whether the bear returned later with a pizza, rang the doorbell a second time, and joined Lintz for pepperoni & cheese with a cold brewski. Ravenna Record.
Okie Noodlers post new record catch
Claremore, OK catfish grabbler Kaleb Summers and his team captured the big fish title at this year's Okie Noodling Championship with a 70.46-pound flathead--making it the largest whiskerfish entered in the annual event's 13-year history. Tulsa World outdoors writer Kelly Bostian has the story.
June 27, 2012
What goes around: Poo left on Denali glacier to reemerge
An Alaska Pacific University glaciologist says human waste deposited in ice crevasses by some 1,500 Denali National Park climbers each year will soon begin reemerging farther down the glacier. According to Mike Loso's calculations, climbers have left behind some 130,000 pounds of waste over the course of several decades. "Within the lifetime of the people managing this mountain, these waste piles are going to start to emerge on the surface," he said. KTOO News & a hat tip to The Goat.
Retriever credited with saving toddler from drowning
A Michigan family's black Labrador retriever named Bear is being credited with saving a 14-month-old boy from drowning in a backyard pool by holding the toddler on its back to keep him above water. "We all believe that if it wasn’t for Bear he would have sunk down," said the boy's mother, Patricia Drauch. "It was incredible to see Bear holding him up like that." Kalamazoo News and Sturgis Journal.
California anti-hunting bill stalled, but not dead
A measure that would ban the use of hounds to hunt black bears and bobcats in California failed to move out of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee yesterday due to insufficient votes, but supporters from the Humane Society of the United States called on donors to "register their views with their lawmakers and let them know that they expect lawmakers to cast votes..." San Diego Union Tribune and US Sportsmen's Alliance.
June 26, 2012
Ruger bolts into crossbow business
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. announced today it has purchased a minority interest in Kodabow, Inc., a West Chester, Pa. crossbow manufacturer. "This investment reflects our interest in participating in one of the faster-growing segments of the hunting market," said President & CEO Michael O. Fifer. "Crossbows are increasingly becoming a new and exciting choice for outdoor-oriented consumers as they bridge the gap between traditional archery and firearms." Business Wire.
Arkansas G&F to trap, remove feral cats
In July, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will begin trapping and removing feral cats from one of the state's more popular trout fishing access areas on the Little Red River. "Cats are the most significant invasive species affecting native bird populations and are also estimated to kill twice as many mammals as birds," said Tom Bly, AGFC fisheries biologist. "There are also numerous human health concerns associated with feral cat colonies." Heber Springs Sun Times.
Second lion in 8 days killed in Rapid City, SD
Police in Rapid City, SD were called to a residence Saturday morning after receiving a report of a montain lion inside a family's machine shed. The "very thin" female was shot and killed, marking the second cougar killed by the Rapid City PD because of public safety concerns in an eight-day period. Rapid City Journal.
Yellowstone visitor tossed, gored by bison
A Yellowstone National Park visitor from Massachusetts who witnesses say failed to yield to an approaching bison is reovering in an Idaho hospital from a broken collarbone, shoulder blade, several ribs and a groin injury when he was tossed nearly 10 feet in the air and pinned to the ground. Yellowstonegate.com.
June 25, 2012
Killer grizzly captured: 70 sheep in two weeks
Officials with Montana Parks and Wildlife confirmed the Sunday evening capture of a sow grizzly bear they say has been responsible for killing an unprecented 70 sheep in the past two weeks, including 58 on one ranch. Grizzly bear management specialist Mike Madel said the bear displayed a predatory instinct in killing the sheep. "She's gotten this protein reward from domestic sheep so she's looking for sheep," he said. MTN News and Great Falls Tribune.
NM outfitter indicted for tax fraud
A New Mexico hunting outfitter who allegedly requested his clients pay him in cash has been indicted by a Grand Jury for six counts of tax evasion. Kevin L. Sears, operating as Southern Divide Trophy Outfitters, allegedly failed to pay more than $36,000 in state taxes from 2006 to 2009. AP.
Miami chefs prepare invasive species to raise awareness
A trio of well-known Miami culinary experts held an unusal cook-off competiton this weekend for the title of “Best Invasivore Chef.” The Miami Herald reports that wild boar, python and lion fish were served to raise awareness about the impact invasive species have on the S. Florida environment. What about iguana tenders and kudzu salad?
